It was confirmed to OneStor earlier today from Joan Di Tursi Laura's previous manager that Laura had passed away in her sleep last night Thursday August 26th of a Brain aneurysm.

Laura Branigan was born in New York on July 3, 1957 just outside New York City. Although a performance career was never something Laura wanted in her childhood, her lead role in a senior play in high school quickly changed her mind and her future. In the mid-70s, Laura attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Laura's first big appearance on pop radio was with the single "Gloria" which became a huge #1 hit and the staple song of her career. The track came from Laura's debut LP, Branigan released in '82. Although "Gloria" took several weeks to become a hit, once it did, the song remained on the charts several months. Another track from the LP, "All Night With Me," was a minor hit before "Gloria" hit big. Laura received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance Female ("Gloria").

The AP story, via nctimes.com, includes additional information..."Branigan died of a brain aneurysm Thursday in her sleep at her home in East Quogue, said her brother Mark Branigan. He said she had complained to a friend of a headache for about two weeks before she died, but had not sought medical attention."

The program director at the first radio station I worked for was HUGE into Branigan. "Self Control" was probably as recognizable as the call letters at that station.

I recall the video for that song being a big deal on "Night Tracks" for some time.